Dance Preview: The Nutcracker @ The Coliseum

The Coliseum's getting a sprinkling of seasonal fairy dust shortly with the return of English National Ballet's colourful Nutcracker for Christmas.

A firm family favourite, The Nutcracker is basically a Christmas party plus a child's fantasy dream sequence which provides ample opportunity for lush sets, Christmas trees, prancing animals, dances from around the world, a handsome prince and plenty of sweets. ENB's version is bright and quirky with some thrilling modern effects. Throw in Tchaikovsky's famous score and the opulent setting of the Coliseum and you really can't go wrong if you've a sentimental or festive bone in your body.

We have a pair of free tickets for the best seats in the house to give away if you can answer this question: who choreographed ENB's eccentric version of The Nutcracker? Email your answer to londonist at gmail dot com with NUTCRACKER in the subject line. Competition closes Friday 4th December at 5pm and the winner will be notified by email. Full terms and conditions after the jump.

The Nutcracker runs from 16th Dec to 3rd January at the Coliseum. For more information and to book for Nutcracker, The Snow Queen or Giselle visit www.ballet.org.uk. Tickets from £8.

There is no cash alternative to the prize. Prize cannot be taken retrospectively. Performances run from 16 Dec 2009 - 3 Jan 2010, the competition applies to performances from Tuesday to Thursday only. Tickets are subject to availability and are to be taken at a mutually agreed performance. Closing date for entries Friday 4th December 5pm. English National Ballet reserves the right to make changes to the programme, casting, dates and times as necessary. English National Ballet is a registered charity no 214005.